What is "kleptoplasty"

n. A symbiotic phenomenon whereby plastids from algae are sequestered by host organisms.

Kleptoplasty or kleptoplastidy is a symbiotic phenomenon whereby plastids, (notably chloroplasts), from algae are sequestered by host organisms. The word is derived from Kleptes (κλέπτης) which is Greek for thief. The alga is eaten normally and partially digested, leaving the plastid intact. The plastids are maintained within the host, temporarily retaining functional photosynthesis for use by the predator. The term was coined in 1990 to describe chloroplast symbiosis.